Bombers, Bulldogs clash in virtual ‘sudden death’

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal University and National U try to stay alive in the hunt for Elite Eight spots as they clash today in a virtual do-or-die in the National Collegiate Championship at the Faith Gym in Tanauan City, Batangas.

The Bombers and the Bulldogs trounced the PATTS Sea Horses, 90-63 and 99-51, last Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, to open their bid in the annual tournament among the country’s top colleges and universities.

The winner of the Jose Rizal-NU duel set at 4 p.m. will play the Olivarez College Sea Lions, the Bicol champions, at 4 p.m. tomorrow for a slot in the main tournament, which includes defending titlist San Beda.

Technological Institute of the Philippines topped the other group in the Metro Manila Luzon qualifier after it hurdled Mapua, 70-64, and St. Clare, 62-59, to arrange a knockout duel with Lyceum Northwestern U, the North Luzon winner, for a spot in the main tournament.

Seeded into the main event are reigning UAAP champion Far Eastern U and runner-up University of Santo Tomas, defending NCAA title-holder Letran and University of San Carlos, the Cebu champion, and University of Visayas, the Vis-Min Qualifier winner.

Meanwhile, the organizing Philippine Collegiate Champions League paid the Tams and the Knights a tribute for topping the UAAP and NCAA in simple rites at the Hashtag City Restaurant in Quezon City.

It is also in the same event that the league officially launched its 13th edition.

“Whenever I’ve been given the chance to speak every time we start our season, my mind travels back 13 years ago,” said PCCL executive director Joe Lipa, one of the brains behind this annual event which offers P1 million to the champion.

“There was no press conference back then and we just do things in wherever place we can find. But look at the league now, we’ve helped players and teams especially from the provinces to have a chance to showcase their wares and I’m happy where we are right now,” he added.

The event launch was also attended by PCCL chair Rey Gamboa, ABS-CBN’s Dino Laurena and Abet Ramos and representatives, coaches and players from all participating squads.